Review: Jackie the Musical at the Liverpool Empire - 'a joyous journey where pop past meets the present'

AS jukebox musicals go, this is one of the best. 

A show that evokes memories for so many women looking back to their youth.

That's not to say we males won't enjoy it.

Judging by the smilng men of all ages in the sell-out audience this is a musical soundtrack to all our lives.

There are plenty of hits in this two-hour 20-minute spectacular featuring Arlene Phillips vibrant choreography on a two-tier set reminiscent of those weekly television visits to Top of the Pops.

Written by Mike James it hits the right note with some lovely dialogue.

Here's a taster of the 18 songs sung by individual cast members and the electric ensemble.

Crazy Horses; Puppy Love; Could it Be Forever; Tiger Feet and Sad Sweet Dreamer plus plenty more disco hits.

Director Anna Linstrum ensures feet are tapping on stage and in the aisles.

Set in the present, Jackie is 54 getting ready for a divorce and is packing up home.

Janet Dibley, a versatile actress who starred in the delightful sit com The Two of Us with Nicholas Lyndhurst, shines not only with her considerable acting talents but also her vocals and comic timing.

Jackie comes across some old copies of her inspirational teenage magazine "Jackie" and she meets her younger self in the form of effervescent Daisy Steere sporting some colourful 70s outfits.

This is a clever device that works splendidly from overture to dazzling finale.

The five piece band are first class on all the songs.

There are great supporting roles from Graham Bickley as ex-dithering husband John.

Nicholas Bailey is a sensitive love interest Max.

Lori Haley Fix, who was in the film Mamma Mia, is Jackie's best pal.

And Jackie's son David played by Michael Hamway has real stage charisma.

While we lads had our macho comics from The Eagle to The Hotspur, girls had Bunty and the best of them all Jackie.

Globe theatre critic Peter Grant with his Jackie annual

Before the show I checked out the Jackie annual from 1979. What a great read...an education, indeed.

Features included: How do disguise you love him?

Do you have problem parents,?

Photo specials with John Travolta and the Boomtown Rats.

Kate Bush and Suzi Quatro were regulars.

And agony aunts Claire and Cathy were problem.solvers from puberty to acne.

Jackie is timeless and this show is a fab tribute.

A joyous journey where pop past meets the present.

Globe rating: Four stars - sparkling nostalgia.

The show runs until this Saturday.

For tickets call the Liverpool Empire box office: 0845 871 3017